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The ballet star was announced earlier this week as the long awaited replacement for Alesha Dixon, but got a less than positive reception from fans.

The mum-of-two previously guest judged on the show in 2009, with viewers branding her dull and 'too nice'.

But Tess, who fronts the show alongside Bruce Forsyth, said: "I think she's certainly a credible judge, given that she is a professional dancer.

"She's been at the top of the tree for years. She's a bit of a legend in the dance world."

Speaking to Digital Spy, Tess insisted: "I think her credibility and expertise will lend itself really well to the panel. Let's just hope she can hold her own with the rest of them - and keep those boys in line. They need a firm hand!"

Tess added: "She's been living in Australia, and I heard that she has been doing some TV work over there, so I think her confidence will have grown when it comes to talking on camera. I think that that, with her expertise, could be a winning formula."